The first novel in the First Law Trilogy and debut novel from New York Times bestseller Joe Abercrombie.

Logen Ninefingers, infamous barbarian, has finally run out of luck. Caught in one feud too many, he’s on the verge of becoming a dead barbarian—leaving nothing behind him but bad songs, dead friends, and a lot of happy enemies.

Nobleman, dashing officer, and paragon of selfishness, Captain Jezal dan Luthar has nothing more dangerous in mind than fleecing his friends at cards and dreaming of glory in the fencing circle. But war is brewing, and on the battlefields of the frozen North they fight by altogether bloodier rules.

Inquisitor Glokta, cripple turned torturer, would like nothing better than to see Jezal come home in a box. But then Glokta hates everyone: cutting treason out of the Union one confession at a time leaves little room for friendship. His latest trail of corpses may lead him right to the rotten heart of government, if he can stay alive long enough to follow it.

Enter the wizard, Bayaz. A bald old man with a terrible temper and a pathetic assistant, he could be the First of the Magi, he could be a spectacular fraud, but whatever he is, he’s about to make the lives of Logen, Jezal, and Glokta a whole lot more difficult.

Murderous conspiracies rise to the surface, old scores are ready to be settled, and the line between hero and villain is sharp enough to draw blood.

Unpredictable, compelling, wickedly funny, and packed with unforgettable characters, The Blade Itself is noir fantasy with a real cutting edge.

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Quotes & Awards

[Abercrombie has] begun breaking his own rules. And succeeding wildly at it. ... [R]arely has Abercrombie had so much fun while rollicking through his colorful cast's foibles and witty dialogue - and rarely has he dished out so much straight-for-the-heart poignancy.The A.V. Club

New, fresh, and exciting.The Independent (UK)

Exhilarating... Abercrombie's knack for wit and grit holds your attention throughout, and his eye for character means that there's heart as well as muscle.SFX (UK)

Abercrombie writes fantasy like no one else.Guardian (UK)

Imagine The Lord of the Rings as directed by Kurosawa.Lev Grossman, Wall Street Journal on The Heroes

Pointed, driven, and sharp.Locus on Red Country

Magnificent, richly entertainingTime on The Heroes

“There is a gritty edge to his world and an awareness of the human cost of violence that is very contemporary.”

Times (London)

“Delightfully twisted and evil.”

Guardian (London)

“[A] sword-and-sorcery series…with black humor and reluctant heroes.”

Publishers Weekly

“The finest epic fantasy trilogy in recent memory.”

Junot Díaz, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao

Listener Opinions

Dylon | 6/3/2017

" the audio books is just as great as the book...i caught things that i had missed in the book...great listen "

Jomin Johnson | 2/19/2014

" I enjoyed this book a lot. It was a fun read, and it was exciting. The author does not dwell too much in the depth of a character, and that is fine. We know their purpose, we know their motives, and we know they are all pretty much bad-asses in their own rights. This whole book wonderfully shows the strong points of these characters, and as I kept reading I didn't know who my favorite character was. Now that I'm done with the book, I have already started with the second one. This book is a pretty awesome read. "

Tom Boshell | 1/19/2014

" a good start for an epic type of fantasy with all the required parts/characters. Entertaining enough to keep you reading and going out for the next book. Does leave enough room (almost demands it) that a series of prequels be written. "

" Finally something new in fantasy. Great characters, writing style and story. "

Chase | 2/1/2013

" This book was awesome Joe Ambercrombie is a modern legend like George R. R. Martin "

Amanda | 11/3/2012

" Excellent dark fantasy series full of edge with relatable characters (good and bad) that are well developed. "

Paul Haussler | 7/14/2012

" This series was good enough to finish, but just barely. "

Aaron Harvey | 4/17/2012

" My brother-in-law bought me this book. I just finished it. I started it three days ago and could hardly put it down. The characters were well developed, although i can do without the names im not sure how to pronounce. I enjoyed the intertwining story lines. Im really excited to read the next book. "

Yaroslav | 2/28/2012

" A lack of plot left more room for characters. And it appeared to be a really good thing. "

Robert | 1/16/2012

" Moderately entertaining fantasy that passed the time but otherwise had nothing interesting to say. Predictable fantasy rehash with a few enlivening moments. "

James Clark | 10/21/2011

" Wonderfully realised world, brought to life by creative and imaginative style of Writing. The story flows, ever quickly and there isn't a character I didn't enjoy reading about. "

Frenchiejnr | 8/22/2011

" It is quite a funny fantasy book. Love the cynicism of glotka. "

Corey Dragge | 8/16/2011

" Great book and I am normally not a huge fan of this genre but on the recommendation of a friend I pick this one up. Now onto book two! "

" Written with a cheeky snarl that got a little tiring. I didn't relate to any of the characters all that much, but still found myself drawn to them and the story by the end. Will continue with the series.
"

Mary Ann | 5/9/2011

" ok book if you skip past all the torture
"

Richard | 5/2/2011

" I really enjoyed this book. I felt the character development was great and the plot very engaging. I went on to read the whole series and thought it was fantastic.
"

Joshua | 4/30/2011

" Fantastic piece of dark fantasy from one of the exciting new voices in the genre. A good book for fans of George R.R. Martin, full of extremely interesting, if flawed people. Looking forward to the next in the series. Mom, this book is not for you.
"

Danielle | 4/27/2011

" Fantastic. My only issue was with the ending (or lack thereof) - be prepared to pick up the second book immediately after the first.
"

Carl | 4/23/2011

" One of the best books I have ever read. Like the rest of Joe Abercrombies work the characters are the highlight. Good, bad and ugly I want to read more about them.
"

Corinne | 4/22/2011

" This book, and the entire series, was absolutely fantastic!
"

Monica | 4/21/2011

" It was a good fantasy novel, I will definitely look for the other books in the serious.
"

Other Titles by Joe Abercrombie:

About the Author

Joe Abercrombie is the New York Times bestselling author of Red Country and the First Law trilogy: The Blade Itself, Before They Are Hanged, and Last Argument of Kings. He is a full-time writer and freelance film editor who lives in Bath, England, with his wife and three children.

About the Narrator

Steven Pacey’s extensive work in the West End includes the role of Alec in Dolly West’s Kitchen, Stanley in The Birthday Party, Hamish in Things We Do for Love, and Bertie Wooster in By Jeeves—for which he earned an Olivier Award nomination. He was also directed by Harold Pinter in his successful productions of Celebration and The Room. Pacey has appeared in numerous television roles, including Tarrant in Blake’s 7, and has made over three hundred radio broadcasts. His audiobook narration has won him three AudioFile Earphones Awards.

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